Iced Earth Cancels Bangalore Open Air Performance Due To Visa Issues

U.S. power metal band Iced Earth announced that it was forced to cancel the band's performance at the Bangalore Open Air Festival in India on June 16, 2012 due to visa issues. The band is continuing to tour in support of the latest release "Dystopia" (see Metal Underground's review here).

The announcement reads:

"Dear fans, friends and fellow metalheads in India.

"It is with a heavy heart and deep regret to announce that we will not be performing at the Bangalore Open Air festival on the 16th of June 2012.

"Unfortunately, we have been a victim of terminal visa issues for our American band and crew members, despite having followed every step given to us and retaining one of the top immigration firms in the world to do the job. It turns out some of the regulations have changed without this being made known to us and we are now no longer in a position to get the necessary paperwork in place. This has come as a huge disappointment since we were looking forward to performing for and meeting all of you for the very first time in your wonderful country.

"We would like to thank the team of BOA for all their help and support along the way. Unfortunately things are now beyond the control of the band and the organizers but we sincerely hope all the metalheads in India will continue to support Bangalore Open Air and all the fantastic bands scheduled to play there.

"Finally, a huge thank you to all the Indian metalheads for your kind words and wonderful support. We promise to make every effort to make it to India as soon as humanly possible and bang heads with each and every one of you.